eIO-RTU Hour Meter Setup Guide

Quick Setup Guide
⏱ Estimated Setup Time: 30–50 Minutes

1 Materials 2 Wiring 3 Device Discovery 4 Configuration 5 Data Collector Application (Optional)

Step 1 – Unbox and Identify Materials

Unbox all components and compare with the included packing list.

Step 2 – Wiring Your eIO-RTU

Connect your devices to a power supply and your network.

  • Understanding the hardware

    The EIO-RTU is a modular, expandable DIN rail mounted IO controller. All modules share the same form factor and communicate with the main CPU module through DIN rail connectors using CAN protocol.

    EIO-CPU Terminals

    • DIN1–DIN2: Digital inputs, 30mA @ 5–24VDC (ISO) or dry-contact closure (PU). C = negative, A = positive.
    • 12V IN: Powers the CPU when used alone. When using EIO modules, power and data must be supplied through the DIN Rail Bus Connector.
    • AIN1–AIN2: 2-wire analog inputs, 5V max.
    • I2C: 5V logic-level I2C connection.
    • RLY1–RLY2: Form C dry-contact relays, 1A @ 30VDC (NO/NC/C).
    • 12V OUT: 0.3A @ 12VDC auxiliary output.

    EIO-10DI Module: 10 digital inputs, 30mA @ 5–48VDC (ISO) or dry-contact closure (PU). Mode selected using the input switch. Terminal 3 unused.
    EIO-8RL Module: 8 normally open Form A dry-contact relays, 1A @ 30VDC. RLY1 and RLY2 each include a 500mA @ 12VDC auxiliary output. Terminal 3 unused.

  • Mounting

    Tools Required

    •  Flathead screwdriver
    •  Multimeter (optional for testing connections)

    Pre-Installation Checklist

    • Ensure the power supply is disconnected before installation
    • Verify that all modules and cables are included
    • Select a suitable location for mounting the DIN rail

    Install the Modules

    Step 1: Mount the DIN Rail

    •  Secure the DIN rail onto the panel or enclosure
    • Ensure the rail is level and firmly attached

    Step 2: Install the DIN Rail Bus Connectors

    • Install the first DIN rail bus connector on the DIN rail
    • Connect additional DIN Rail Bus power connector as needed (one per module)
    • Ensure all connectors are properly aligned and seated on the rail

    Step 3: Install the Modules

    • There is a hook on one side of the enclosure on the bottom, position the EIO-RTU module with the hook on the bottom side aligned with the DIN rail
    • Place the hook onto the rail first
    • Firmly snap the other bottom side with the metal clip onto the rail
    • Ensure proper alignment for module connections

    To uninstall a module: Use a flathead screwdriver, insert it into the metal clip and pull it away from the DIN rail. Carefully lift the module.

  • Power

    Option A: Using DIN Rail Bus Connector (Required for multiple modules)

    Connect the positive wire (+, black wire without white stripe) of the power supply to the positive (+) terminal of the connector 2. Connect the negative wire (-, marked with white stripe) of power supply to the negative (-) terminal of the connector

    IMPORTANT: If you intend to use more than one module, POE power is NOT recommended as it won’t provide sufficient power, especially when using relay modules.

    Option B: Using 12V Input Terminal. If you don’t use other modules and don’t use the DIN Rail, connect the power supply directly to the 12V input terminal on the CPU

  • Ethernet

    Plug  a CAT5 cable to the EIO-CPU network port, Connect the other end to your network router or switch.

  • Digital Inputs, Relays and Sensors

    Digital Inputs:

    Connect digital input devices to the EIO-10DI input terminals

    Relays: 

    Connect devices requiring relay control to the EIO 8RL output terminals

    Note: This device is NOT designed to directly switch line-level voltage (120V/240V). For line voltage devices, an intermediary relay MUST be installed

    Analog Inputs:

    Connect 0-5V two wire analog sensors to EIO-CPU AIN1 or AIN2

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Step 3 – Accessing the Web Server

Finding the eIO-RTU’s IP address and accessing it’s web interface.

  • Using Linortek Discover to find your Hour Meter

    Download and install the Linortek Discover desktop app using the link provided below.

    Linortek Discover for Window

    The program you download from our website is a zip file, you will need to extract the file first after downloading. After extracting the zip file, you will see a file called “Linortek_Discover_Windows.exe”, double click the file, you will most likely to see a popup window stating that “Windows protected your PC, Microsoft Defender SmartScreen prevented an unrecognized app from starting. Running this app might put your PC at risk.” with a “Don’t run” button.

    You need to click “More info”, the app name, publisher information will display, click “Run anyway” to open the app, it won’t harm your computer.

  • Finding your eIO-RTU’s IP address and Setting Network Configurations

    Access using Discover:

    By default, your RTU comes with DHCP enabled meaning if configured a DHCP server will automatically assign it an IP address.

    Once started the Discover application should display the Linortek devices on your network. If multiple Linortek devices exist use the MAC address printed on the device to identify the target device.

    Click on the target device to access the web server.

    Note: It is recommended that the device running discover is on the same LAN/VLAN and subnet of the device. Otherwise, it will not be listed or easily accessible unless inter-VLAN routing is configured.

    If you’re unable to find your device using Discover:

    Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal(macOS) and run the following “ping SERVER”. If you get a response, copy the IP address of the responding device and paste it into the address bar of a browser.

    Additionally, you may use an IP scanner to identify devices on your network, then use the MAC address printed on the device to identify the IP held by the device.

    Lastly if all previous attempts fail, connect the ethernet cable from the device directly into your computer. Using a web browser enter 169.254.1.1 into the address bar (this is your Hour Meter’s default IP address)

    Logging in:

    When prompted to login enter the default credentials Username: admin, Password: admin.

    Assigning a static IP:

    It is recommended but not required to set a static IP address to ensure reliable access to the web server. If left with DHCP enabled, it’s possible that a new IP address is assigned in the future and the use of the discover tool will be needed for future access.

    To assign a static IP go to Configure -> Network Config. Disable the “Enable DHCP” check box and enter your network configuration as needed. Document the IP address assigned for future access.

Step 4 – Configuring your eIO-RTU

Finding the Netbell controller on your network, accessing the web server, and applying network configurations

  • Setting Time and Date

    When first configuring your RTU, you will need to verify the time and date on your home page. Your RTU is configured by default to use Eastern Standard Time (GMT-5) and will automatically adjust for Daylight Saving Time. If your location is not in the Eastern Time zone, please make sure to set your Time Zone first. Using an incorrect time zone will cause any time-based rules to activate at the wrong time.

    To set your Time Zone:

    • Go to Settings > Time/Date
    • Enter your local Time Zone (for example, -5 for Eastern Time Zone, -6 for Central Time Zone, -7 for Mountain Time Zone, -8 for Pacific Time Zone)
    • Make sure the Use NTP Update box is checked (when this box is checked, the Hour Meter will update its time from the NTP server every 30 minutes by default)

    Note: If an ethernet connection is not supplied during normal operation, the RTU will be unable to receive NTP updates.  To fix this provide an ethernet connection and either manually correct the time in the time textbox or set NTP Interval text box to 1, receive an NTP update, and set it back to 30 afterwards.

  • Connecting I/O Modules

    Once the expansion modules are connected to the same DIN rail as the eIO-RTU CPU, they can be configured through the web interface.

    Note: Skip this section if only the CPU Module was purchased

    Navigate to Configure > CAN Settings.

    • Click the Edit icon for the expansion module.
    • Enter a description.
    • Select the appropriate device type (e.g., EIO-8RL or EIO-10DI).
    • Click Save.

    Note: The Device ID and CAN ID are assigned automatically. A successfully configured module will display a green Online indicator.

    Assigning the Inputs/Outputs

    Navigate to Configure > Inputs/Outputs Settings.

    By default, DIN1, DIN2, RELAY1, and RELAY2 are assigned to the eIO-CPU. Enable the additional inputs or outputs you want to use by selecting their checkboxes, then select the expansion module and physical I/O number to assign to each one.

    For example, when configuring an EIO-10DI:

    • IN2 → DIN2
    • IN5 → DIN3
    • IN6 → DIN4

    The configured inputs and outputs will appear in this assigned order under Services > In/Out.

  • Configuring Hour Meters

    In order to have your NHM send its data to the Hour Collector desktop app, navigate to the Settings dropdown menu and select Settings. For the NHM ensure Java Report is enabled.

    After enabling the Data Report, you now need to configure the hour meter. To reach the Hour Meter page, navigate to the Services > Hours. On this page there are two identical columns; one for each hour meter. To configure each adjust the following values

    • Use Meter – Hour counter will not run unless the “Use Meter” is checked.
    • Trigger – The trigger selects the condition to start and stop the counter meter. You can select an INPUT or a RELAY. If those conditions are met such that the device is ON, the meter will start running. You may additionally select to have the INPUT VOLTAGE start the counter. For example, if the Network Hour Meter Hour is powered the counter runs.
    • Meter Name – Give the meter a name to identify what is being metered.
    • Seconds/Tick – The ticks set the counting resolution. The smaller the number the faster the memory is used up. Usually set to 2.
    • Used Endurance – Because the number of memory writes is finite, the Endurance indicator gives an idea of the memories
      condition. It will wear out. (Tick*512*100000 = memory endurance in seconds.)
    • Voltage Threshold – The Voltage Threshold condition must be satisfied along with the trigger condition to make the meter count. This is useful to stop the counter should the unit start to lose power. For example: by setting a threshold of 20 volts on a  24volt system, the Hour Meter will assume that the power is declining and shut off to prevent a counter memory error.
    • Send Email – Using the Email checkbox and the Count, the unit will send an email when this value is exceeded. (Not compatible with SSL/TLS email server, there are 3rd party SMTP delivery servers which do not require SSL and can be used. For instructions on how to use a 3rd party SMTP delivery service, please refer to Appendix 1 of the iTrixx NHM User Manual)
    • Email Count – Hour meter value to send email notification. This value may be entered in [seconds] or (hours).
    • Relay Control – By using a Relay Number and a Count, the unit will activate a relay when the value is exceeded. This is useful for turning on a maintenance light or buzzer on a machine that requires a look.
    • Relay Count – Hour meter value to trigger relay. This value may be entered in [seconds] or (hours).
    • Preset – The Preset is used to ZERO the meter or set it to any value you like. This value may be entered in [seconds] or
      (hours).
    • Push Report Interval – You can change how often to send the hour report out to the HourCollector App, it’s set for 2 minutes by default. If you want to change the frequency, you can enter the number here (by minutes)

Step 5 – Setting up the Data Collector Application

Setting up the Data Collector App to view live reporting of your equipment.

  • Using the Hour Collector Application

    Once your Hour Meter is wired and configured, it will periodically report its data over your network. Any computer on the same network
    can collect that data using the free Linortek Hour Collector app,RESTful API, Microsoft Excel, or other software via API.

    Hour Collector App
    The Hour Collector app was developed for use with the Linortek Hourmeters. This is free to download at: https://www.linortek.com/downloads/support-programming/
    Before downloading, ensure your computer has Java installed. Java is available for download here: https://www.java.com/en/

    The Hour Collector app will automatically locate your NHM and allows for quick access similar to the Discoverer app. The Hour Collector app updates every two minutes.

    When first opening the Hour Collector app, it will create a folder on our desktop named CSV_FILE. Inside is a .csv file containing a log
    the data collected by the hour collector app. This file can be viewed using MS Excel. In order for this log to update, the Hour
    Collector app must be running and the .csv file must not be open otherwise the Hour Collector cannot automatically edit the file. The
    Hour Collector app will display the following information:

    1. IP Address
    2. Meter Name
    3. Date/Time
    4. Meter 1 Information
    5. Meter 2 Information
    6. Input Information
    7. Relay Information
    8. Sensor Information
    9. Port Number (if ported)
    10. MAC Address

    Clicking the DATA SELECTION button, you can check or uncheck which information you want to display on the Collector window. The
    “Write All Data” checkbox means it will write all the data to the .csv file, whether it is displayed or not displayed, unchecking this and
    then checking other data boxes will only write the selected data to the .csv file.

FAQ’s

Yes. If your PLC sends a 5–48 VDC pulse lasting 36 seconds, the meter will increment by 0.01. It can count up to 999,999.99.

The most common issue we have seen this happen is if your computer uses WiFi, and the WiFi network is on different subnet of your Linortek device connected to. Make sure the Linortek unit is on the same subnet as your computer.

The other possible issues might be the firewall on your network or your computer blocking the communication, talk to your IT department and make sure UDP port 30303 is allowed. If you use Windows computer, you can try to open Command Prompt and type there: “ping server”. If you get “Reply from” please open a browser and type this IP address to the URL line.

If you still have problems, you can connect the unit directly to your ethernet port on your computer, the factory default is 169.254.1.1.
Type the IP address into a chrome or Firefox and it should bring you to the Login web page.

It is recommended to power you Linortek devices with a surge protector, as power surges can temporally cause software hangups or even permanent hardware damage.

In the case with no surge protector, please perform a factory reset on your device.

NOTE: This will reset your network (DHCP enabled), time, and tasks configurations.  You will need to re-discover your device’s IP and set your configurations to their previous state once the device.

In a standard unit you can set the time interval for reporting. We do have customers that build their own program for this kind of custom report. We also have RESTful command available for custom developed application.

Additional Resources

Troubleshooting Tips Troubleshooting Tips

Troubleshooting Tips

Common issues and solutions when setting up or operating your Hour Meters.

Full Manual Full Manual

Full Manual

For more information follow the RTU Manual.

Automatic iTrixx JSON to CSV Logger Automatic iTrixx JSON to CSV Logger

Automatic iTrixx JSON to CSV Logger

How to automatically fetch data from your iTrixx device every hour and append it to a CSV file on a Windows computer.

Video Tutorials Video Tutorials

Video Tutorials

Check our Video Tutorials for step-by-step instructions.